NATIONAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS
ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT 2000/1
INTRODUCTION:
The National House of Traditional Leaders has managed to live up to its vision statement of becoming an autonomous, dynamic, non-sexist and progressive institution unifying Traditional Leaders of South Africa. Events leading to and the demarcation of rural areas brought rural communities and their traditional leaders together in a battle against the dismantling of rural areas.
Traditional Leaders throughout South Africa had one common aim, that of restoration of dignity and pride in the institution of traditional leadership and its role in promoting the welfare of the people in the new world of democracy. Traditional Leaders can not realize this objective if they are excluded and a denied a meaningful role in their Municipalities.
The advent of municipal councils in Traditional Authorities is viewed as means of demeaning the role that Traditional Leaders had all along been playing and the institution of Traditional Leadership is strongly opposed to that.
In an attempt to promote and unify the institution, the National House has worked with traditional leaders through out South Africa on the powers, role and functions of traditional leaders in areas under their jurisdiction. This has not been an easy task but much will be said about it at a later stage.
Also, the National House has been actively and proactively working on co-ordinating the institution's programmes and its communities. It must also be mentioned that the National House throughout its activities has been guided by its principle of being assertive, accountable and transparent.
The National House, for this financial year, after a thorough introspection, set itself and its sub committees achievable goals that were time bound and reasonable.
The goals and objectives that the House set forth inform the content of this report. Thus, the report will focus on activities of the House as well as those undertaken by the sub committees.
1. SETBACKS IN THE NATIONAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS
The National House has been very unfortunate in the past financial year with regard to its members.
Almost half of its members were involved in car accidents, luckily no lives were lost in those accidents. However, it is very sad to report that on the 8th of July 2000, the National House of Traditional Leaders buried Kgosi SS Montshioa, a member from the North-West House of Traditional Leaders.
As if that was not enough, on the 20th of January 2001, the National House buried another member from the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Morena JK Tsotetsi.
Kgosi Montshioa and Morena Tsotetsi was both members of the Traditions, Customs and Culture and the Internal Arrangements Committees. Their inputs will be greatly missed by both committees and the National House.
May the souls of the fallen heroes rest in peace.
2. ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE:
A. OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HOUSE:
For the very first time since its establishment (17 April 1997), the National House held its official opening, on the 8th of May 2000 in Cape Town. The function was graced by Deputy President, Jacob Zuma, Minister Mufamadi and cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament. Outside of South Africa, the National House had the pleasure of members of the Lesotho Royal Family.
Through this function, the National House made its mark and for the institution of Traditional Leadership as a force to be reckoned with.
The function was historic to the House as it afforded the Deputy President an opportunity to talk to the National House since it was established as a statutory body.
Besides getting a chance of being addressed by the Presidency, the National House also got an opportunity to publicize the House, especially with regard to what it does. Many people knew about the existence of the National House of Traditional Leaders but did not understand the role it is supposed and expected to play in legislation and more so in alleviating the plight of rural communities.
The publicity got through the official opening helped the House in establishing relations with NGO's and other stakeholders who are involved in developing rural communities. A number of big companies are prepared to plough back their returns to rural communities but need the involvement and guidance of Traditional Leaders.
These companies have, after acknowledging the economic disparities that exist between urban and rural communities, resolved to create projects that would uplift rural people. Traditional Leaders as the heads of these rural people know the plight better and could use their experience in proper administration of these development projects.
Some of the projects that the National House started in partnership with two big companies are the following:
* Vodacom Foundation and Rural Development.
* Social Program of BMW South Africa.
A.I. VODACOM FOUNDATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
Vodacom Foundation has been involved in rural development in various parts of South Africa, but needed the involvement of Traditional Leaders to ensure that rural people get access and become skilled on information technology through their projects. The involvement of the National House has led to a partnership between Traditional Leaders and Vodacom Foundation.
A.2. BMW SOUTH AFRICA
A partnership with BMW South Africa has also been forged with the National House. Through the Social Programme of BMW South Africa, members of the National House have managed to secure funding to develop schools and other community facilities.
These projects have one main objective to plough back investments and improve the lives of the many millions that are under the jurisdiction of Traditional Authorities. Today, many schools and clinics that were built by Traditional Authorities boast of renovations and face lifts that has been made possible by the Social Programme of BMW South Africa in partnership with Traditional Leaders.
B. COALITION OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS
Upon realizing the consequences of the demarcation process in areas under the jurisdiction of Traditional Leaders, the National House convened a meeting of all Traditional Leaders. The meeting was held on the 16th of February 2000, in Bloemfontein. The meeting resolved to call the body a Coalition of Traditional Leaders.
The main aim of the meeting was three-fold:
(a) to look at the implications of the demarcation process,
(b) to look at the implications of implementing section 81 of the constitution, i.e. after elections, and
(c) inform government about the desired municipalities in areas under the jurisdiction of Traditional Leaders.
(d) lastly, consolidate views from all stakeholders and present a watertight documents.
Composition of the Coalition of Traditional Leaders is made up of three members from each Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, the National House, the Royal Bafokeng and Contralesa.
Membership of the Coalition is as follows:
Eastern Cape: Nkosi Nonkonyana
Nkosi Gwadiso
Nkosi Magadla
Free State Mofumahadi Mopeli
Morena e moholo LC Mota
Morena MF Mopeli
Northern Province Khosi PF Kutama
Kgoshi Malekane
Khosi R Sumbana
North-West Kgosi Mabalane
Kgosi Pilane
Contralesa Nkosi SP Holomisa
Hosi Mhinga
Nkosi M Zibi
National House Inkosi MB Mzimela
Nkosi MJN Matanzima
Kgosigadi Moroka
Kgosi Mankuroane
Royal Bafokeng Mr. S Phiri
Mr. J Sutherland
Mr. H Mngadi
The Supreme law of the country stipulates that the National House of Traditional Leaders shall;
(1) enhance co-operation between the council and the various Houses with a view to addressing matters of common interest.
The National House had as one of its objectives to harmonize and synchronize the National House and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders. This resolution was taken during a conference held in Bloemfontein in 1999. Meetings were held with the Premiers' Forum in an attempt to harmonize and synchronize the various Houses.
One topical issue that the institution has ever since been confronted with is the demarcation issue that emanated from the constitution of South Africa which ultimately would lead to the depletion of powers, functions, and role of Traditional Leaders in local governance if left unattended.
The National House convened 10 meetings from February to December 2000 between all the stakeholders and in all these meetings invited legal fundis to render legal assistance.
In the ten months that Traditional Leaders met and deliberated, the glaring issue of the non proviso of the Constitution about the role of Traditional Leaders in local governance became unavoidable. Traditional Leaders, if they had hoped to play a proactive and central role in local governance they had to attend immediately to the amendment of certain parts of the constitution.
Traditional Leaders acknowledged that their meeting would yield no fruits if they do not engage and advice government about what is to obtain if certain parts of the constitution are not amended to allow for Traditional Authorities to continue exercising local government functions.
This necessitated meetings with Government, especially the Presidency.
C. NEGOTIATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT ON AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE:
The Head of State was approached by Traditional Leaders to intervene and put an end to the looming plight of Traditional Leaders. The meeting held between President Mbeki and Traditional Leaders on the 23rd of May 2000, culminated on a written submission by the Coalition of Traditional Leaders to Government.
Due to the size of the Coalition, i.e. three members per Provincial House, the Royal Bafokeng and Contralesa, the President deemed it necessary to form a smaller structure that would fast track the work of the coalition. This structure was called a Technical Committee. After a series of meetings with Government, a comprehensive report containing the proposed amendments on the constitution, and the type of municipalities that were desired in rural areas was prepared and forwarded to the President.
Contents of the report prompted the President to form a much smaller committee comprised of four Cabinet Ministers, Leadership and legal fundis of the Coalition. The President assigned the Deputy President to work with the Cabinet Committee in ensuring that grievances of Traditional Leaders are addressed.
Formation of this smaller committee was followed by a series of consultative meetings and a lot of promises were made by Government. The position of Traditional Leaders, throughout the negotiations and discussions, was that, Government needs to define the role, functions and powers of Traditional Leaders in Local Government and the type of Municipalities in areas under the jurisdiction of Traditional Leaders before elections could be held. This was said in view of the fact that after elections section 81 of the constitution would be implemented where in Traditional Leaders would not have any role to play. The Head of State, President Thabo Mbeki, made a promise of not depleting the institution of Traditional Leadership and that was confirmed by a promissory statement of intent drafted by the Cabinet Committee ratified by Government.
It is very disappointing to mention that Government has strung Traditional Leaders along until they got what they wanted, i.e. elections, and thereafter left Traditional Leaders to die a slow death. Immediately after the elections Government became very quiet and it became extremely difficult to get them over the phone or for a meeting.
Traditional leaders have negotiated in good faith with Government but was let down in the end. Nonetheless, Traditional Leaders are still hoping that Government would heed their calls and put in black and white a defined role that would suite the institution of traditional leadership and not assimilate it to be urban.
D. CONFERENCES OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS
It is a standing policy and an understanding between the National House and Provincial Houses that two conferences should be held in each financial year. Much time and effort was spent on negotiations and discussions with Government as a result only one Conference was held instead of the planned two.
The conference was held in June 2000, from the 20th to the 22nd in Durban. The theme of the conference was Traditional Leadership ad Local Governance. It is not surprising therefore that Traditional Leaders used that opportunity to assert, consolidated and strengthen their position.
E EXPOSURE VISITS
The National House undertook to take exposure visits to other countries.
These visits came about as means of putting the National House in a position to contribute satisfactorily to the white paper process on Traditional Leadership and Institutions.
The National House acknowledged that in order to make informed inputs to the process, Traditional Leaders need to enhance their experiences with what obtains in other countries that have got the institution of Traditional Leadership.
Minister Mufamadi approved of a visit to New Zealand and Australia that a seven member delegation from the National House undertook from the 17th to the 25th of November 2000. The delegation was composed as follows:
Morena MF Mopeli Free State
Kgosi SV Suping North-West
Hosi M Ntsanwisi Northern Province
Kgosi MF Mashile Mpumalanga
Inkosi WT Mavundla KwaZulu Natal
Prince ZS Makaula Eastern Cape
Mr. L Molubi (CEO) Staff
The delegation of the National House received a warm welcome in New Zealand. The Honorary Consul General, Mr. Gregory Fortuin, the Minister of Maori Development, Hon Parekura, Deputy Minister Tariana Turia, Maori members of Parliament and other Maori Leaders were at he airport to meet the delegation from the national House. A reception was organized at the airport and words can not begin to describe the beauty of that reception.
Apart from the beautiful reception the delegation was treated to a surprise visit by the Honorable Prime Minister, Mrs. Helen Clark, at the Parliament Buildings known as the Beehive. A comprehensive report of that visit has been tabled in the National House for its consideration.
The National House is now planning the second visit around May 2001, that will also be composed of a seven member delegation. The delegation has been identified as follows:
Eastern Cape Nkosi Matanzima
Free State Kgosigadi Moroka
KwaZulu Natal Inkosi Kunene
Mpumalanga Inkosi Nkosi
Northern Province Kgoshi Malekane
North-West Kgosi Maubane
1 Staff Member
The country identified as the ideal one for a comparative study in Africa, is Ghana.
E. PERMANENCY OF THE CHAIRPERSON AND THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS
The National House has been negotiating with Government for all its members to be permanent in the House.
Government could not agree to that proposal as that would be costly to Government. An agreement was reached with the Department of Provincial and Local Government that instead of all members of the House becoming permanent it should the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson.
The Department of Provincial and Local Government has made it possible for the Chairperson an the Deputy Chairperson to become permanent in the National House. The President has proclaimed the permanency of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson as from the 1st of April 2001.
3. ACTIVITIES OF SUB COMMITTEES OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE
The National House has got six sub-committees, comprised of six members from each Provincial House. Each sub-committee has got a number of responsibilities and has allocated time frames to these responsibilities.
(i) Constitutional Development Committee
This Committee has got six (6) members and they are
* Nkosi MJN Matanzima
* Inkosi WT Mavundla
* Hosi M Ntsanwisi
* Kgosigadi Moroka
* Inkosi Nkosi
* Kgosi Mankuroane
This committee has been the busiest of all Committees of the National House. It had as its mandate the responsibility to
(a) establish a working relationship with Parliamentary Portfolio
Committee on Provincial and Local Government.
(b) Establish working relations with the Select Committee on Constitutional Development in the National Council of Provinces.
The Committee set itself objectives to be achieved before the end of the financial year. The objectives set forth included the following:
(a) Capacitating members of the National House
(b) Review the South African Constitution to allow for the Permanency of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.
(c) Amending the Constitution to make provision for co-ordination and co-operation between the National House and Provincial Houses.
(d) Working with Parliamentary Portfolio committees.
The Committee organized three workshops and one training for members of the National House between May and December 2000.
Workshop 1. 15 and 16 May 2000
Attendance to this workshop was made up of Constitutional Development Committees at Provincial and Local level. The main focus of this workshop was to draft proposed amendments on the Constitution of South Africa to allow amendments of the founding Acts of all the Houses. If implemented this was going to make it feasible for the National House and Provincial Houses to co-ordinate, co-operate and synchronize.
Proposed amendments drafted after this workshop were sent to the Parliamentary Reviewal Committee.
Workshop 2. 09 November 2000
The committee further acknowledged that members of the National House needed to be capacitated to deal with documents requiring their inputs.
Professor H Vilakazi of the IEC was invited to a one day workshop that dealt mainly with how members could read and understand documents and thereafter make analysis and implement suggestions contained in those documents.
Workshop 3. 10 November 2000
In this workshop Traditional Leaders discussed the issue of succession and the implications thereof to Royal Families and female heirs. It must be mentioned, however, that this workshop came about as a result of the release of a discussion document by the Law Commission that sought to solicit views of Traditional leaders and other stakeholders on the Succession.
The National House is proud to report that this workshop was a huge success as the House did compile a well written report to the Law Commission.
Training No 1: 30/11-01/12, 2000
The gist of this training was to capacitate members of the National House in Negotiation Skills.
This training could not have come at a better time as Traditional Leaders were involved in Negotiations with Government. Unfortunately it was limited to members of the National House rather than the Coalition of Traditional Leaders, as also was involved in negotiations with Government.
For the year 2001 and 2002, the Committee has started working on the capacitating of Traditional Leaders in South Africa. This envisaged capacitating, if approved, will be conducted jointly with the Department of Provincial and Local Government, Directors at Provincial level and other stakeholders.
(ii) Internal Arrangements Committee:
This Committee consists of six (6) members from the members of the National House and its members are:
The main task of this committee is to look after the wellbeing of members of the National House.
To start with members of the National House complained amongst others, about the following:
* Lack of safety and security while on duty in Pretoria.
* Death and Accidents to Members of the House and the absence of benefits to members of the National House.
* Symbols of Authority for the National House
The committee went to meet with the Department of Provincial and Local Government on this and other issues. The response from the Department to many issues raised was that the Department was still busy with the White paper process on Traditional Leadership and Institutions hence nothing could be finalised until that process is over.
This has delayed progress on many issues as Traditional Leaders are still awaiting the finalisation of the white paper process to determine their fates.
It must be mentioned that the National House appreciates that the Department has done the following for the House;
a) Bought two Vehicles for the House. A Toyota Corolla and a
Hi-Ace. However, the National House does not use the Hi-Ace as it is too cramped and very uncomfortable.
b) Bought symbols of Authority for the National House, in the form of a Shield and Spear.
c) Installed verbatim recording machines although they are not operational
d) Agreed that the Chairperson of the House should fly business class as per his status.
Besides the task of looking after the wellbeing of members the committee was assigned to prepare for the official opening of the House held on the 8th of May 2000 and the Year end function held on the 13th of December 2000.
As reported earlier on both functions were a huge success and the National House would have to work very hard to surpass the success of last year's functions.
(iii) Management Committee
This Committee consists of six (6) members of the National House. Both its Chairperson and his Deputy are elected from the members of the National House. it is chaired by the chairperson of the National House and its members are:
The Management Committee is responsible for the following:
* Monitoring the general functions of the National House.
* Oversee the administrative component of the National House.
* Formulate strategies for proper functioning of the National House.
* Interact relations between Traditional Leaders and civic structures.
* Facilitate and manage dispute resolution mechanism.
* Compile and present a report to the National House.
This committee's sole responsibility is to monitor the other committees of the National House.
(iv) Rules Committee
This Committee consists of six (6) members from the National House and its members are:
* Morena M.F. Mopeli Chairperson
* Inkosi M.B. Mzimela
* Prince P.S. Kakudi
* Kgoshi M.F. Mashile
* Kgosi P.P. Maubane
* Hosi M. Ntsanwisi
This committee's responsibility is to work on the rules and orders of the House.
The committee realized the following omissions on the rules and orders of the National House:
* Code of conduct for members of the House.
* Debate on the President' speech or any Cabinet Member delegated to officiate in the opening of the National House.
* Disciplinary Hearings and constitution of Disciplinary Committees.
The committee sat down and worked on amendments to the rules and order of the House. These amendments were adopted during a full sitting of the House held on the 26th of February 2001.
The Committee also acknowledged a shortcoming in the provisions of the rules of the House about the opening of the National House. The rules of the House stipulate that only the President or a Cabinet Member designated by him or her could officiate in the opening of the National House.
The Committee has amended the rules to the effect that they now allow the Chairperson of the National House to officially open the House if neither the President nor a cabinet minister chosen by the President to officiate is unavailable.
(v) Social Development Committee
The Committee consists of six (6) members from the members of the National House and its members are:
* Kgosi S.V. Suping Chairperson
* Inkosi S.S. Kunene
* Kgosigadi A.G.G. Moroka
* Kgoshi M.N. Malekane
* Ingwenyama M.E. Mabhena
* Prince Z.S. Makaula
The scope of work for this committee cuts across many Government Departments, as it deals about social issues, which are topical issues.
The Department of Welfare and Population Development invited submissions on the abuse of the Aged. This being a thorny issue even in rural communities compelled the committee to heed their call. The committee prepared a well informed document based on their experiences in rural areas which struck at the core of this kind of abuse. The document was applauded by many who present during the hearings and was cited by the media long after the presentations.
This goes to indicate that Traditional Leaders as heads of rural people have got first hand experience of the social lives of rural communities. They do not theorize about the plight of rural communities but talk about reality.
It was with that understanding that this Committee wanted to be involved in various departments to help government in alleviating the plight of rural people. It should not be misunderstood to mean that Traditional Leaders are only concerned about rural people but as the most needy they are the ones who need to be given first priority.
Unfortunately, written requests for meetings from the National House, did not get favourable response. It is with a heavy heart that the National House reports that Government Departments were not keen to work with Traditional Leaders and never bothered to reply to letters written to them. This action curtailed the envisaged relationship and partnership on programmes and projects aimed at alleviating poverty in rural areas.
(vi) Traditions, Customs and Culture Committee
This Committee consists of six (6) members from the members of the National House and its members are:
* Ingwenyama M.E. Mabhena Chairperson
* Prince Z.S. Makaula
* Hosi D.E. Mulaudzi
* Kgosi M.S. Mankuroane
* Inkosi S.S. Kunene
Because of the passing away of Morena J.K. Tsotetsi, there has not been a replacement as a result members of the committee exclude a member from the Free State House of Traditional Leaders.
This is the least active committee in all the Committees of the National House.
This committee is supposed to come up with a policy on the management of circumcision especially in Gauteng. In developing this policy the National House (Traditions, Customs and Culture Committee) would have to work with Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Arrangements are underway to get MEC Gwendoline Ramokgopa to an appointment with the Committee.
4. STAFFING IN THE NATIONAL HOUSE
Staffing has been a problem to the National House since it was established. The National House started working with seconded staff from the Department of Provincial and Local Government.
The last report of the National House, 1999-2000, indicated that the Department of Provincial and Local Government employed for the National House contractual staff to serve the House. These staff embers are Mr. Louis Molubi, the Secretary to the National House and Mrs. Nompumelelo Nkosi as the Secretary/ Typist.
Posts of Senior Planner, Communications Officer and Driver were advertised (November 2000) and overwhelming response was received from the public. Interviews were held in March 2001 and the post of Senior Planner would be filled by Mr. ZM Matebese, as from the 2nd of May 2001.
The appointments of Communication Officer and Driver are still outstanding due to technicalities and the other interviews were not held for the Driver post.
Despite the appointments of the Senior Planner and the Communications Officer, the National House still needs reinforcement in terms of more staff members. This is said in light of the fact that the National House has got six committees. Each time a committee sits, the office is given work to do and that put the officials in an awkward position as they are always working on backlog rather than being proactive.
It would be highly applauded if three Administrative Officers could be employed for the National House. Although, that would not be enough but at least it would come close to render the National House efficient.
5. PROGRAMME OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR
A. Legislative Processes
The status of the National House with regard to legislative processes has always been a concern for the House. This concern arose because of the need to review and to bring about improvements on the House's approach and how it should impact on the legislative processes.
When the idea of a National House of Traditional Leaders was first mooted in the Constitutional talks, it was agreed that the House would play a role in the law making processes at national level. This role is defined as reviewal of legislation pertaining to Customary and Traditional Leadership. The National House intends pursuing this role vigorously by interacting with various portfolio committees, making submissions and appearing in public hearings. Plans are underway to obtain every piece of draft legislation in order to play this legislative role effectively.
The National House wishes to bring forth the fact that inputs that will be submitted by the House will be informed by Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders, who in turn would have obtained them from communities through regular public gatherings. This method ensures that ordinary people get an opportunity of practicing participatory democracy through their contributions during these public gatherings.
For some time the National House has been persuading Government to introduce legislation that will make it compulsory for referral of Bills to the National House. Up to this far Government has not responded to the plea but the House is hopeful that in the end government would accede.
B. Development of Traditional Leaders and Traditional Authorities
It has been the intention of the National House that the institution should influence government and other stakeholders to find a way of empowering Traditional Authorities by developing them and channeling funds towards them so as to bring them on par with Municipal Councils.
Traditional Leaders and Traditional Authorities have been for ages rendering local governance services to rural communities. The National House strongly believes that what the institution needs is development and capacitating of its staff to strengthen their experiences. It is in light of this reason that the National House is pleading with Government to view Traditional Leaders and the institution as pivotal agents of improving conditions of rural people.
The National House has approached the Department of Provincial and Local Government to assist in capacitating Traditional Leaders throughout South Africa. This is aimed at bringing about uniformity in the manner in which Traditional Leaders will be capacitated. The proposal to the Department was informed by the fact that the House is aware of the initiatives by some Provincial legislatures to empower Traditional Leaders. The House appreciates these initiatives and pleads with the remaining provincial legislatures to consider capacitating Traditional Leaders.
White Paper Process on Traditional Leadership and Institutions
This is a very important process by the Department of Provincial and Local Government. The National House has made inputs to towards this process and had hoped to be actively involved.
It must be highlighted that the White Paper Process on Traditional Leadership and Institutions is at a snail's pace while other processes have been fast tracked and since have been completed, e.g. the demarcation process and the establishment of municipalities.
The pace of the white paper process has held the institution of traditional leadership to ransom as the Department is always referring Traditional Leaders to the unfinished process and thus Traditional Leaders are expected to wait until the process is finished and their roles are defined before their grievances could be listened to and policy issues could be attended to.
The National House approached the Department and requested to have a representation of the House involved in the drafting of the white paper process. To this request and after numerous follow ups, the Department did not respond. The House was very disappointed to learn that the process is over without its involvement with regard to drafting and writing.
C. Role of Traditional Leaders in the National Campaign to combat the HIV/AIDS Endemic
The National House had two meetings with the Ministry of Heath on which the House committed itself to become partners with Government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In one of the conferences convened by the House the endemic was discussed and a resolution was taken to the effect that all Traditional Leaders should take a central role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Chairperson of the National House is a member of the South African Aids Council and this helps to illustrate the commitment of Traditional Leaders in the fight against AIDS.
The National House has responded to the challenge posed by HIV/AIDS by embarking on a program to educate rural communities about the disease by disseminating information, discouraging promiscuity, promoting safe sex and faithfulness. The National House will continue educating its communities and being at the forefront of educating rural communities.
D. The Role of Traditional Leaders in the Promotion of Ubuntu:
Traditional Leaders have a crucial role of educating the masses they lead. Traditional Leaders are strategically positioned to ensure compliance with the provisions of the constitution pertaining education, more so, being a fundamental human right.
The National House acknowledged that the impact of western civilization can not be reversed but something can be done to revive the lost and forgotten customs and values. It was on this understanding that the National House agreed that Traditional Leaders have a principal role of ensuring that the principles of African Renaissance and Ubuntu are entrenched. Older and younger members are educated in customs and values of society. The National House has geared itself for the mammoth task of reviving our customs and values with an aim of restoring ubuntu in the human kind.
6. BUDGET OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE
BUDGET ALLOCATION
2000/2001
2001/2002
R
R
2 724 000
Administrative
2 150 000
1 400 000
Supplies/ Stock
150 000
470 000
Professional Services
800 000
1 500 000
Total
3 487 000
6 094 000
CONCLUSION
Writing an annual report affords an organization an opportunity to do an introspection. It affords an organization enough time to check whether it has managed to live up to its expectations. And also if it carried its mandate throughout the financial year and again if it has accomplished work set forth.
In compiling this report, the National House also used this opportunity to look at the work done. During the strategic workshop conducted in June 1999, certain objectives and goals were set for the National House and its committees. A number of mandates were identified to be carried out by the national House and its committees. This is what informed the contents of this annual report.
Compiling this report also afforded the National House a chance to check goals it set to achieve but did not achieve and why they were not achieved. Lastly, the House looked at what it needs to do in the next financial year. The envisaged activities will not deviate from the vision and the mission of the National House of Traditional Leaders and also from the provisions of the Act and Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Louis Molubi Inkosi MB Mzimela
Secretary Chairperson:
National House of National House of
Traditional Leaders Traditional Leaders